News | The Municipality of Alassio has expressed solidarity with Giacomo Aicardi, a young local resident currently stranded in Dubai due to the ongoing conflict between the United States-Israel and Iran, while awaiting his return to Italy. Aicardi, known in the city for his active participation in local initiatives, was in the United Arab Emirates as a tutor for a group of around 200 students involved in an international diplomatic simulation project organised by Wsc Italia Global Leaders.
The municipal administration, represented by Mayor Marco Melgrati, emphasised Aicardi’s commitment to maintaining constant contact with the families of the students and with Italian institutions during this difficult period. “Giacomo, together with the other tutors who are with him, is keeping in constant contact with the families of the young students and with the Institutions, striving to ensure that the youngsters can experience this moment with the greatest possible calm,” Melgrati stated.
The mayor also recalled Aicardi’s activities during the summers in Alassio, where he is known for enlivening the town with initiatives such as the travelling karaoke, and highlighted the community’s support for the young man’s entire family: “The message we send him today is that our whole community stands with him and is proud of him, and looks forward to welcoming him back as soon as possible.” In his speech, Melgrati also extended his thoughts to other Italian citizens facing uncertain situations abroad. At present, no further details are available regarding Aicardi’s expected return today along with the other participants in the project, while authorities continue to monitor the situation in relation to developments in the international context.
“We are working tirelessly to assist our fellow citizens stranded in the Middle East. To respond to the ongoing emergency, we are facilitating, together with the Italian Embassies in the region and in collaboration with local Authorities, some repatriation flights of our fellow citizens from the Middle East,” stated Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani.
For today, 3 March, the following are scheduled:
- Two special commercial flights from Muscat (Oman) to Rome Fiumicino, carrying a total of approximately 300 passengers.
- A flight from Abu Dhabi to Milan with around 200 people on board, including students, mostly minors, from the World Students’ Connection based in Dubai. The group is already at Abu Dhabi airport and is being assisted by staff from the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai.
- Two more Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi to Italy, one at 14:20 to Milan and the other at 14:40 to Rome. The flights are intended to re-accommodate passengers who were unable to travel earlier with the airline.
For tomorrow, 4 March, an additional flight from Muscat (Oman) has already been scheduled. A transfer system by bus from the United Arab Emirates to Oman has been arranged: the first transfers are already underway. Instructions for transfers are sent to those in the United Arab Emirates who are registered on the “Viaggiare Sicuri” app or on the website www.dovesiamonelmondo.it. A similar system is being prepared from Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar to Saudi Arabia.
The Farnesina reiterates the invitation to follow only official communications and to register on the Viaggiare Sicuri App or on the website www.dovesiamonelmondo.it for all updates, which will be communicated through these official channels.
Upon learning of the confirmation of the return to Italy scheduled for today, the mayor of Alassio, Marco Melgrati, stated: “We have received from the press the update we have been anxiously awaiting, namely the return this evening to Italy of our fellow citizen Giacomo Aicardi, along with 200 Italian students who are with him in Dubai during these dramatic hours, thanks to the direct intervention of the Italian Government. His flight will land at Milan Malpensa around 8 pm. We could not have received better news. We are waiting for you at home, dear Giacomo.”
(effe / Red. Corsara)